There is an expectation that Liverpool will make a move to sign a centre-back, either this month or in the summer transfer window.
Virgil van Dijk is not getting youngster at 32, while Joel Matip has long-term injury in addition to his contract expiring at the end of the month.
Both Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez have had their fair share of injuries in the past, but the pair look rejuvenated this season.
The emergence of Jarell Quansah has likely done a lot to allay any fears of a defensive crises at Anfield.
Alongside Konate, Quansah looked assured and composed playing away to Arsenal at such a young age.
Lewis Steel of the Daily Mail has today reported that Liverpool have scouted Benfica’s Antonio Silva.
However, he suggests that January business for the Reds will be unlikely.
Will Antonia Silva fit in at Liverpool?
The 20-year-old Silva is highly rated and has been tipped to become one of the best defenders in the world.
He made his debut at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, quickly overtaking the likes of Jan Vertonghen in the hierarchy under manager Roger Schmidt.
Silva quickly grew to become a key player for Benfica, and has already racked up nearly 70 appearances for the Portuguese side at his young age.
Earlier this year, retired defender Daniel Carrico spoke highly of Silva’s qualities:
“He has a very strong personality and demonstrates this on the pitch”
“He plays with the maturity of a senior and a center-back with several years of experience”
“He’s a complete and dominant central defender.”
It’s certainly a glowing recommendation by Carrico, and will no doubt be what Liverpool themselves have discovered.
The statistics
Antonio Silva’s statistics certainly show a player who is very capable with the ball at his feet.
According to Fbref, who compare Silva to positional peers in Men’s Next 14 Competitions over the last 365 days, Silva is technically gifted.
He ranks in the 98th percentile for passes completed, in the 84th percentile for progressive carries, and in the 72nd percentile for progressive passes.
This highlights that he is able to play as a ball-playing defender in Jurgen Klopp’s system.
Defensively, the 20-year-old is no slouch either.
The Benfica man ranks in the 94th percentile for tackles made and in the 73rd percentile for blocks.
However, his 18th percentile ranking for headers won suggests he could struggle with the physicality of the Premier League.
Silva is contracted until 2027 with a reported €100m release clause.